CCEA Home Economics: Being an effective consumer

Being an effective consumerA consumer is someone who: Buys goods Uses services Has responsibilities Has rights Has a lot of choices to makeWhat are goods? Goods are things you have obtained in exchange for moneyWhat are services? E.g. plumber mends dripping tap- service (bus etc.)Who is a consumer? Person who uses a service or buys goodsWe often consume items that we don't need- can be blamed on laziness, to make uslook better and to conform to media/friends`Downshifting'- is reducing working hours or leaving job as don't need to buy asmuch.`Conservers'- those who respect the environmentWhen buying items we usually think about colour, taste, smell, where it is made,who made it and what it is made fromThere are many different reasons which affect, what, when, where we buy items: Social reasons- (peer pressure) Cultural reasons- beliefs and customs determine what & where we buy Economic reasons- buy less in economic downturn Personal reasons- age, likes, dislikes, occupation and lifestyle Physiological reasons- interest to take care of body etc. Psychological reasons- personal attitudes Environmental reasons- impact product will have on environmentConsumer rights- when a consumer buys goods they make a contract between thepurchaser and the traderSale and supply of goods act 1994This law gives you certain rights under the contract between you and the trader.Your rights:Goods should be: Of satisfactory quality Fit for intended purpose As describedThis applies to all good bought in shops, markets and online.If goods are faulty or not what they should be, the consumer is entitled tocomplain and seek a repair, replacement or full refund, however this does notapply when: You were told of faults before purchase Faults are obvious You caused the damage

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You made the mistake e.g. wrong color You change your mind You bout the good more than six years agoProblems when buying goods:Private sales:When buying goods privately you do not have the same rights when buying from atrader.…read more

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Food safety Serve an improvement notice Close the business EHO's inspect premises and investigate complaints Trading standards Aims to inform consumers, encourage honest office businesses and target rogue traders TSO's are responsible for: Enforcing weights and measures act Investigating complaints from consumers Testing weighing and measuring equipment's e.g. petrol stations Ensuring pre-packed goods are the correct weight and this is printed on pack The general consumer council is a government body aiming to promote the interests of all consumers in N.…read more

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Per 100g High levels Low levels Total fat 20g and up 3g and down Saturated fat 5g and up 1g and down Sugar 10g and up 2g and down Sodium 0.5g and up 0.1g and downTraffic light labelling:Are used to present information about the product in an easily regonised way tohelp the consumer make a choise about the productWhat are Guideline Daily Amounts? Help consumers make sense of the nutrient information provided on food labels.…read more